On June 9, 2009, Jackie Tonawanda Garrett, born September 4, 1933, fought her final battle. She had fearlessly battled this adversary for over a year until its end.

Looking over her career we see a courageous Pioneer of Women’s boxing who legally fought the New York State Boxing commission in 1978 for women’s right to professionally box. This paved the way for names such as Jackie Frazier, Laila Ali and Christy Martin among others. Her pro matches of the early 70’s, although not sanctioned because they were conducted in the underground circuit, where she demonstrated her prowess, strength and talent. She was trained by the likes of Freddy Brown, Charley Golman and Rollie Hackmer. She ventured into Muhammad Ali’s camp where she got the opportunity to step into the ring to spar with him.

On June 8, 1975, Jackie made history in the Aaron Bank’s Oriental World of Self Defense show held in Madison Square Garden, when she knocked out in the second round, Larry Rodania. She was the first female to box in Madison Square Garden. Her life time has been spent guiding others in the sport of boxing as identified in the following: coach for the military boxing team, co- trainer/adviser for Israel Carlos Garcia – a heavyweight contender; adviser to Jackie Frasier, WIBF and WIBA Light Heavyweight Title holder, as well as other upcoming fighters such as, Veronica Simmons and Keisha Snow. She continued to mentor numerous other people.

Jackie was the first female boxer to become a member of Ring 8, the Veterans Boxing Association, and inducted into their Hall of Fame, as well as, Madison Square Garden’s Hall of Fame.

Additionally, to her credit, she gave motivational talks to youngsters, and lent her voice to state campaigns, charitable causes such as Athletes Against Drunk Driving, of New York. She was also well known for her assistance with Lloyd Williams at Harlem’s Uptown Chamber of Commerce.

Although her presence is no longer among us, her spirit will be honored on August 1st 2009, where Aaron Banks will dedicate The Oriental World of Self Defense show to Jacqueline Tonawanda, at the New World Stages on Broadway, NYC, NY. Additional information may be obtained 718-271- 7997. For Jackie Tonawanda’s transition service please email, tonawanda@gmx.com.

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5 Responses to “Jackie Tonawanda – Female Muhammad Ali”

I agree, we all miss her and she will forever be in our hearts! She was a member of Ring 8 were I saw her once a month when she would attend, May God Bless Her. For more info on Ring 8 you can go to http://www.substancecollectables.com or I will be posting more info about Ring 8 on my blog, Thanks!

I was saddened to hear about Jackie’s passing. I live in CT and she used to take the train to CT to see her doctors here. I was working for her Ophthalmologist when I met her. She sent me her rough draft of her book and several pictures which to my knowledge she never got published. I would love to see this get published as she so deserved this. I can be reached at meganzopf@yahoo.com if anyone has any information about her book or if anyone can help me with this.
Thank you
Megan

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